Mozambique is bracing itself for tropical storm Filipo, which is expected to make landfall today, bringing torrential rain and wind of up to 120km per hour to the often cyclone-lashed country.
According to Bloomberg, Filipo is expected to make landfall south of Beira in the area of Vilankulos.
Filipo, having reached the status of a ‘moderate’ tropical storm, is expected to intensify to ‘severe’ before hitting the coast, as forecast by Meteo France.
According to Mozambique’s Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia, the storm is expected to unleash up to 100 millimetres (four inches) of rainfall within a period of 24 hours in certain regions.
Mozambique’s cyclone season typically lasts from December to March, although occurrences may extend into April.
The nation in southeast Africa is still in the process of recuperating from the devastation wrought by deadly cyclones over the past half-decade, including the likes of Freddy and Idai.
ReliefWeb has reported that authorities estimate that over 525,000 people, 856 schools and 145 health centres are in the areas considered at risk.
“Between 100 and 250mm of precipitation is expected in Inhambane, Gaza and Sofala provinces. On 13 March, between 50 and 100mm of precipitation is expected in Gaza and Maputo provinces,” said the UN humanitarian services organisation.
“There is a moderate risk (25-50%) of flooding in Inhambane, Gaza and Maputo provinces over the coming days.”
Mozambique is already burdened by the effects of heavy rainfall.
It has been estimated that, since the beginning of the rainy season, 55,494 people have been impacted, ReliefWeb reports.
“More than 3,500 houses have been partially or completely destroyed, 191 schools have been affected, and infrastructure has been damaged, including 37 water systems and 13 bridges.”
